All these muscles have to work together in order to have the most success in improving your shooting technique and power.
Players do repetition after repetition of shooting, either in their garage or on the ice. This repetition is huge to having success, but what if I told you there are a few things you can do that would improve your shot immensely? We all know the mechanics of the shot: push your bottom hand down and through the shot, pull the top hand toward your chest, then drive to the net with your body. But, there is so much more to it than just that. Understanding the muscles involved in the shot can help you develop your shot so much more.
While there are so many muscles involved in shooting, I will only be discussing the major muscles involved that give the most power. I’ve included videos on techniques to use during workouts to strengthen each of the muscles.
Chest (pectorals) – both major and minor: this muscle is connected to the clavicle, sternum and even around the oblique muscles. This is where your “push” of the shot comes from.
Latissimus dorsi (back): this is the strongest muscle in the back. It is attached to the vertebral column (spine), which is where your body alignment power comes from. The pulling of the top hand is directly associate with the lat muscle. This muscle also runs down to the hip, which is the next muscle of discussion.
Iliopsoas (hip flexor): this is the most underrated muscle for improving your shot! So many players focus on using their legs to help the shot, however it is the hip that gives that load up tension and the spring effect. This causes the rational force required for a power shot.
Abdominal: your core is vital for power and even coordination in your shot. Engaging the core is the only way to keep your lower body and upper body connected through the shot. Giving you a better rational force as well as the stability in your shot.
All these muscles have to work together in order to have the most success in improving your shooting technique and power. Now that we know the muscles involved, how will this improve our shot right away? With muscle-to-mind connection. Now instead of going through he motion of the shot, maybe you can understand the muscles involved are part of having a great and powerful shot.
As you work on your shot think of the muscles, really feel every muscle tendon and ligament involved. Start off slow without the puck and really focus on the right mechanics. Once you really start to engage your core, back, hips, and chest, then progress and add in pucks, then eventually progress to the ice. You will understand your body more, which had a multitude of benefits in its own (injuries etc.), but this will immediately improve your shot overall!
